Ely, NV Hail Storm – August 2026

Ely, Nevada recorded a hail-producing thunderstorm on August 14, 2026, producing peak stones measuring 1.73 inches in diameter. The event was localized and concluded in the late afternoon.

What Happened

A single NWS severe thunderstorm warning covered the Ely metro during the event. The alert was issued at 2:05 PM PDT (21:05 UTC) for radar-detected hail near Ely. Dual-polarization radar identified a concentrated hail core crossing the metro area with an estimated hail signature of roughly 1.53 inches at the time of the warning. The warning covered a single-zone area and the warning interval tracked a short-lived, pulse-type convective cell that moved through east-central Ely in the early afternoon. Field and aerial observations after the event confirmed a compact hail footprint focused near the warning axis. The storm concluded by late afternoon and no further warnings were issued for the metro.

Damage Assessment

Hail in the size range observed is capable of producing visible impact damage to exposed surfaces. Vehicles parked outdoors may show panel dents, broken plastic trim, and cracked mirrors. Unprotected skylights and older single-pane windows are at risk for cracking where direct impacts occurred. Asphalt shingles can sustain granule loss and edge impact fractures on windward slopes. Tree foliage and soft landscaping in the immediate hail path will show defoliation and bruising on fruit or ornamental plants.

In Ely, property exposure is concentrated along the east-west travel corridor through the metro. Homeowners with roofs showing missing granules, split shingle tabs, or shingle fractures in that corridor should prioritize photographic documentation and temporary cover where water intrusion is possible. No widespread structural collapse or catastrophic building failures were reported in association with this event.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect sun-facing and windward roof slopes first. Use a 360-degree exterior survey with high-resolution photos of each elevation, noting shingle type, loss of granules, and any punctures. Measure and record hail impressions in metal, vinyl, and aluminum surfaces to support size estimates. For vehicles, photograph dent patterns on hoods, roofs, and trunk lids with a scale reference. Provide clients with time-stamped images tied to the NWS warning interval for claims support.

Prioritize safety for any roof work. Confirm structural integrity before walking on compromised roofs. For emergency tarping, secure underlayment at exposed eaves and valleys to limit water entry. When preparing estimates, limit line items to observed, documented damage within the mapped hail footprint and include a site sketch showing areas inspected. Consult the Strike Map for precise hail track data.